by J. L. Madore
After picking up a small, wooden sculpture from a bookshelf he returned to the bed. He held out his cupped hands and I took the carving. It was a timber wolf fighting with a peccary.
"You did this?" My mouth fell open. "Galan, why would you keep this a secret? You're so talented."
He bowed his head. "Gratitude. Carving is something I do for personal satisfaction. I learned at a tender age not to allow others an opinion on things I care about. It cuts too deep when used against me."
His words burned in my gut. Whoosh, the candles on either side of the bed burst to life. "Your father?"
He shrugged, placing the sculpture on the bedside table. "Unimportant."
"No. It is important. The way he treated you and Lia is unforgivable. You lost your mother, had a newborn to care for and instead of bonding with you he chose to chastise you?"
Galan brushed his thumb over my lips. "Thank you for being my champion, however what has passed, has passed."
I rolled off the bed and explored the room. Everything was compulsively organized with the exception of his books. Even with enough shelf space to house a small library, books were piled high on his bedside tables, hide-covered bench and every inch of the deep window seat. Leather covers, parchment scrolls, even broad flattened and inscribed with poems.
"Wow, read much?"
He shrugged. "Mayhap a little."
"You're going to go out of your mind when you see all the books in the instructor's lounge at the Academy. We have enough to keep you reading for centuries."
His smile was brilliant white. "I have wondered a great deal about your world."
I stroked the teak furniture. His bed, chest of drawers and shelves were finished in a dark stain with intricate silver gilding. I traced the smooth carvings on the headboard and noticed three stringed instruments hung over the hearth. "Would you play something for me?"
He cocked a brow. "We best leave for Nyssa's before my sire returns."
"Please. It won't take long. I'd love to hear you play."
He hesitated for a moment, then tapped me on the nose and turned to the mantle.
While he retrieved his lute and tested the pitch, I explored some more. He had sophisticated taste, Spartan, but resplendent. The stone floor was covered with a blue, scarlet and gold woven rug. It was stiff and resisted my toes as I scrunched into the thick fabric. I lifted the sheer draperies and marveled at their weightlessness.
A hand-painted picture sat on Galan's bedside table. It was Lia, I recognized her from Nyssa's memory when I healed her. It was obvious, even from the painting, why she was the sunshine that warmed him. I rubbed my sternum, knowing too well what the Scourge did to women they captured. Fucking Scourge.
"She is a vision, is she not?" Galan slipped behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder. "She had that painted as a surprise for my birthing day. It was a wonderful evening."
"Tomorrow we'll talk to Reign. He'll know more." I hope. Climbing onto his bed I shuffled back and avoided his gaze. "For now, play me something."
"How could a male deny you anything?"
"Smart man."
He sat on the side of the bed and propped his leg to support the instrument. Fingering the wooden neck, his devilish smile grew more heated. "I like having you in my chamber."
I cleared my throat and ignored the flush of warmth coming over me. "And what are you going to play for me?"
"Naiore Atulie," he said, his eyes locked on mine. "I believe you know it. I may have heard you sing it once or twice as you tended to Nyssa."
"As a bard in training, I was taught dozens of Elven songs by my tutor, Chiron of Delaran. That is by far my favorite."
When he began, I swear my heart stopped beating. He sang the quiet melody. It was delicate and painfully perfect. His voice swelled in the air and filled my chest, the sound so clear, so pure it made time grind to a halt.
A wave of emotion hit me. First, it was heat, smoldering in my chest, moving lower, growing as it gained momentum. Then a gentle throbbing started between my thighs. My pulse thundered in my ears, my heart pumped like it wanted out of my chest. My hands balled in the fur covers and I focused on Galan's song. The beautiful tenor ascended and descended with the notes. It was breathtaking.
Gods, is this natural? With his gaze fixed on mine, his stare grew erotic and hungry. I was undone. Again. He closed his eyes, softly grinning. Tilting his head to the side he held the final note. As it faded, he set down the lute and cupped my face into his hands.
"You liked it?" he asked, wiping the tears from my cheeks.
"It was . . . magnificent."
Galan lifted my chin and dipped his mouth to my lips. His kiss was gentle and tasted faintly of elderberries from the bush by the barn. A warm, strong hand slid behind my neck, urging me closer as he explored my mouth.
I grumbled as Galan pulled back and ended our kiss. "Where are you going? I wasn't finished with you yet."
He laughed and pulled me to my feet. "Having you on my bed, I am nearing the limits of my restraint. We have friends awaiting our arrival and issues awaiting our attention. We need to pack my things and be ready to leave in the morning."
I was still pouting as Galan grabbed a pile of clothes and led me through one of the closed doors into the adjoining bathroom. He shook out the satchel and began gathering what he was bringing. I packed while he handed me things.
The room was small and like Tham's home, housed all the things one would expect from a bathroom in one form or another. Since Lexi and I had already received our training on how to use their toilet system, we were good.
Ironically it was Galan's bathtub which stunned me into silence. It was hollowed out of what looked to be one gigantic piece of wood. Tham said Elven craftsmanship and attention to detail was far superior to human. I thought he was being boastful. Apparently not. The large basin was sloped, sanded and stained to cradle the bather. Without magic, Highbornes used what nature supplied them.
Living in exile hadn't been a total sacrifice of comfort like I'd thought. "I still can't believe you have running water."
"You thought us to be primitive?" Galan raised a brow and pointed to the basin. "Cool water is brought straight in from the aqueducts and catch basins and for tepid, it passes through the south-facing wall for the sun to warm."
"It's so innovative." I caressed the satiny rim of the tub. "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"It is a bathing basin, Jade. Not a work of art." Galan buckled his bag.
"No, this is definitely a work of art."
The sound of a heavy wooden door closing near the front of the house froze us both. Galan quietly slid the bathroom window open. With a sweep of his hand he gestured for his bag.
"I know you are here, Galan. Alwyn saw you enter with that human female."
Galan stiffened and then slowly lowered the window to rest on the sill.
"Don't worry about it," I whispered. "He doesn't bother me. Ignore him."
"No, Blossom. Not this time," he growled. "I shall not slink away into the night to escape a conflict. If he wants a row, I accept." Slinging his bag over his shoulder he took my hand and stepped out into the hall.
His father stood there, wearing an embroidered, ivory tunic and moss green slacks, having just returned from a night with the Elders Council. "There you are."
Without checking to see if we would follow, he moved down the hall to the library end of the living room. The contrast was impossible to miss. The elegant, upper-class atmosphere of propriety and the guttersnipe attitude Galan's father spit like a viper. "I figured you would have scampered off into the shadows . . . mayhap through a window." Cold blue eyes rose to mine. "That is what you may expect, human, him scurrying off like an insignificant rodent."
The fire in my gut flamed to life, steaming in my veins. "Spew your acid, old man. Galan has more honor and class than you'll ever be able to fake for your friends. He stands up for what he believes, even if it brings ridicule from small minde
d, self-important peons like you."
"Indeed," he chuckled, turning a lethal gaze on his son. "And your female fights your battles now? Have you no self-respect?"
"Jade speaks her mind, Eda. In truth, I find it most alluring." Galan wrapped his arm around me and set his hand on my hip. "Now, was there something you wanted?"
"When have you bothered yourself with what I wanted?"
Galan's hold on my hip grew tighter. "I am sorry you are vexed. Jade and I came merely to pack a few things. We are happy to return your privacy, if you will excuse us."
Galan's father stepped into our path. "For once in your worthless life, use your logic, son. You must hear the whispers. You flaunt this female on your arm as if you would give her consideration. A magic-wielding human may seem exotic with her green eyes and her large breasts, yet surely the importance of honoring your community is not lost on you entirely."
I snorted. "You realize my breasts and I are right here, don't you?"
"I do." Galan kissed my temple. "I am acutely aware of where you and your voluptuous curves are at all times."
His father's malevolent stare had no effect on either of us. "Galan, son of mine, no matter your standing, you are a Highborne, one of the Noble Children. It is incumbent on you to seek a female who will have you despite your shortcomings. We must ensure the population of our race continues. This human will wither and die while you are still a youth. Gods forbid you have children. You would be left raising half-breed bastards. What will your friends think then?"
I thought Galan might stiffen right out of his skin. "I consider myself more than a tool for procreation, Eda. When I consummate with my mate, my commitment will be based on many things, race, genetics and longevity will not be among them." Galan took my hand and in one graceful motion strode to the door. "Fash not, father-mine. From this moment forth neither Lia nor I shall tarnish your shining image within the village. Consider us out of your life and off your list of obligations." Galan swung the door open.
"Assuming you find the whelp," his father muttered under his breath. "Imagine her at the mercy of those vile raiders. No telling what liberties they have taken. Her virtue will be soiled, surely. Mayhap it is better to leave her where—"
Galan struck hard as a sledgehammer, fast as lightning. The crack of fist to jaw echoed through the elegant foyer. Sprawling in a daze on the woven mat, Galan's father looked dumbfounded. Galan shook his fist once then adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "That is the last time you will speak of Lia. The Fates may have taken Naneth from us, however, it was you who destroyed this family."
Hand in hand we stepped out, closed the door and headed down the street.
Iadon answered our knock and swept his arm into the large, open room. "Ah, Jade, welcome to our home." He kissed my forehead and clamped wrists with Galan. "Nyssa is tending to the babe, she will be right out."
Tham, Lexi and Aust were already into the spirit of the night. By the flush burning on Lexi's cheeks, I would guess they were on their fourth or fifth glass of wine. Galan dropped his bag and strode to the side table. Half a dozen crocks and colored bottles were set out. He uncorked a tall burgundy bottle and poured a glass of clear fluid for each of us.
I took a tentative sip, then nodded and drank. "Where's Elora?"
Aust glanced to a closed door, his unusual eyes filled with sadness. "She is preparing victuals. She will be out in time."
"Jade. Galan. You have arrived." Nyssa floated down the short hall cradling the baby. Her long mane flowed behind her like a shining golden cape. "We were beginning to worry."
"We know better than to come looking for the two of you." Tham smiled as he narrowly evaded Lexi's elbow-shot to his ribs. "We learned that lesson well enough."
Had everyone heard about our waterfall tryst? I glared but it only made Tham laugh.
Nyssa licked her lips and straightened out the curve of her mouth. "Galan, would you mind?" She raised the swaddled infant toward him and he cradled her into his arms. Holding Ella as if he'd been destined to do so, I didn't need to imagine how wonderful Galan was with Lia. I could see it clearly in front of me.
The moment the baby settled into his arms I saw the transformation. If I lived a thousand lives I would never forget the peace Ella brought to him. He looked into those tiny blue eyes, and Ella brought him out from under the weight of his fears and frustrations. He traced her cheek with his finger as if memorizing every inch of her face.
Iadon surprised me by stepping behind me. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and kissed the back of my hair. "We shall never be able to repay the blessing you have given us, neelan. You are loved beyond limits of measure in our home."
A knock at the door had us all turning. Iadon answered the door to a crowd of half a dozen well-dressed, rather pompous looking men. The Highbornes inside the cottage froze.
"Elders." The warmth Iadon's voice had held a moment ago was gone, replaced by a cutting chill. "What brings you to our home?"
"May we enter?" Gisir stepped in, not waiting for a response. The others followed. I didn't recognize many of the group, but could see Tham's clucking chicken scenario unfolding.
"Of course. Please do." Iadon snapped, sweeping his arm toward the great room though they were all inside. Galan and Tham moved forward and stepped in front of Lexi and me.
Elora emerged from the kitchen, her bloodshot eyes, rimmed pink. "Gisir, what business has the Council here this night?"
Gisir pursed his thin lips and slowly swept a meaningful glance toward Aust. "Apologies, Elora, we need to discuss Aust's . . . situation."
In an instant Elora transformed from a vulnerable widow to a mother bear defending her cub. She flew across the room standing between the mob and her son. "Leave us in peace! You fine gentlemales have the gall to judge Aust when Cameron's pier still smolders?"
"Apologies." Gisir dropped his gaze to the floor and continued. "It was not a unanimous decision, and the timing is appalling, however, the majority of the Council has spoken. Aust is to leave the village at first light."
"What?"
Aust held his hand out to his mother and stepped to her side. "What have I done?"
"You know well what this is about."
"I have lived my life upholding the governances of our race. More so. Do I not aid our community and bear more than my share of the load?"
Gisir nodded. "You do, son. Regardless, your presence has long disturbed the harmony of our beliefs. It was only out of respect for your father and the knowledge that there was no other place for you, that a judgment was not rendered sooner."
"This is bullshit!" Lexi spat. Tham grabbed her wrist as she started for the crowd, amethyst eyes blazing. "Aust's affinity is a blessing from the Fae gods. Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have him in your community?"
Aust held up his hand. "I shan't leave Naneth at a time when she needs me so. No matter the judgment of the community, my place is at her side. Mayhap in time. Not so soon after our loss." Faolan rubbed against his leg, showing her very sharp, white teeth to the Councilmen.
"Then that's settled," Lexi snapped.
"That is not for you to decide, halfling." Galan's father stepped to the forefront and crossed his arms over his chest. I smiled at the nice purple shiner darkening his face and couldn't have been prouder. "It is we who make those decisions here."
"Actually, it's not," I said, throwing my two cents in and grabbing Lexi's belt as she flew by. "Your little group of wizened old men might have been all powerful when your exile was in place, but not now. You have been reinstated to the Realm of the Fair. Castian's laws state that everyone, anywhere within the realm, is free to live their lives as long as they do no harm and follow his ordinances. From what I understand, Aust has broken no laws."
"He will leave this village," Galan's father sputtered. "He has until the morrow."
"Or what? What will you do?" As I squared off a dozen candles burst to life, flickering and dancing six inches into the
air. Worried looks darted wildly around the room and then from one elder to another. As the heat of my anger built in my chest, Galan's hand rested heavy on my shoulder and gave a squeeze. I stretched my fingers out of the fists they were clenched into and exhaled. "If Aust isn't ready to leave his mother, he's not going anywhere."
"And you can bet your pompous, upper class asses we'll dig in and make sure he doesn't have to." Lexi drew her dagger and twirled it in her palm, pointing the working end for effect.
"No," Elora whispered. "Aust has suffered too much judgment already." With hands clenched in the folds of her ebony gown she strode, head high to face the elders. "I am deeply ashamed of each of you . . . males of worth."
She moved her gaze slowly from one to the next until she had forced each one of them to look her in the eye. "Every one of you have eaten from my hearth and accepted the hospitality of our home. Cameron may not have agreed with you, yet he always respected you. Now, while his spirit is still walking among us, you treat us thus? Shame. On. You."
Big, fat tears welled in Elora's eyes, but not one fell. "Jade, what you said before about your world accepting those with affinities. Would my son be welcomed on your mountain?"
"He would be adored, revered."
She bit her lip and nodded. "Then I wish for him to join you in your world."
Aust surged forward. "Naneth, no. I cannot—"
Elora pressed her fingers against his lips and blinked fast. "A century is long enough to be hated, my beloved. Go with your friends. Make a new life beyond the cruelty of this village."
Aust frowned. "Come with me. Together we can start anew."
Elora cupped his face. "In time mayhap, for now I need to be close to Cameron."
"Naneth—"
Elora kissed his cheek. "Come. I shall help you pack." With her head high and her shoulders back, Elora led Aust through the centre of the crowd and out the door.
They had barely swung the front gate shut when Iadon strode to the open door. He pointed out into the chill of the night. "Now," he growled. "Your business here is done. Leave."